The key facts

  • US Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Jeff Bartos called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Sudan
  • The US is demanding that the UN Security Council take measures to stop the flow of weapons into the country
  • The civil war between the army and the Rapid Support Forces has been ongoing since April 2023

Call for a Ceasefire at the Security Council Meeting

US Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Jeff Bartos spoke at a Security Council meeting on Sudan and called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, urging the warring parties to stop hostilities. According to him, the civilian population continues to face killings, hunger, deteriorating healthcare conditions, and a growing threat of famine. “Every day that this conflict continues is unacceptable,” Bartos said, adding: “We need a humanitarian ceasefire. Let me repeat: we need a humanitarian ceasefire.”

Civilian Deaths from Hunger and Crises

Bartos warned that civilians are dying not only from weapons and mercenaries entering the country, but also from hunger and healthcare crises exacerbated by the war. He emphasized that a ceasefire would help ease the ongoing suffering of the Sudanese people, and stated that Washington will continue working with the parties to the conflict to reach such an agreement.

Political Process and Arms Inflow

The US called on the Security Council to support a political process aimed at a comprehensive settlement and the preservation of a unified Sudan with functioning state institutions accountable to the population. According to Bartos, any national political dialogue must be owned and led by the Sudanese themselves and remain free from interference by violent extremist groups linked to internationally recognized terrorist organizations, as well as individuals responsible for atrocities against the population. He also urged the council to take concrete measures to stop the ongoing flow of weapons into Sudan, calling this necessary for a transition to a civilian-led government.

US Readiness for Cooperation

Bartos stated that the US is ready to work with every member of the Security Council to support the efforts of the “quintet” to advance an inclusive civilian political process, achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access, which, he said, will ultimately save lives and prevent further bloodshed.

Context of the Conflict

Sudan has been engulfed in a civil war between the army and the Rapid Support Forces since April 2023. According to available data, the conflict has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people and displaced millions of others.